I’m back in Elgin again. I drove here nearly a week ago to help my mom with her loss. It’s been interesting, to say the least. Larry’s family is kind and welcoming. They’ve included my mother in everything. They allowed me to say a few words on my mother’s behalf at the funeral.
Today we are going to a field near where Larry owned a home and shoot off his cannon. Kind of like a salute. I’ll post a video of it if I get a good one.
A little homesick, but not so much I’m feeling sorry for myself.
I’m calling today the beginning of our Irish Season. Not only is it St. Patrick’s Day (My favorite holiday) but it is also the day we meet with Andrew’s rugby coach about Andrew’s trip to Ireland which begins this Wednesday. This is also the week we’ll probably book our flight to Ireland and maybe fill in our itinerary. We’ve already booked two cottages: Parkduff in County Clare and Tralia House in County Kerry.
Having Patrick for a last name was always cool on St. Patrick’s Day — as a kid and as a teacher. March 17th was a determining factor in not changing my name when I got married. Kids would say to me Happy St. Patrick‘s Day, Ms Patrick! I never got tired of it. Occasionally, even now, someone will say that to me. It always makes me smile.
According to the Irish folk I met on my first trip to Ireland in 1979, I may not even be of Irish decent. Patrick is not a surname in that country; although, they reasoned, it could have been Fitzpatrick or Kirkpatrick and changed once my ancestors arrived in the United States.
We’re planning a trip to Ireland this summer. By we I mean ME. I’m responsible for all the details and am also the one my family will blame if the trip sucks. I spent much of yesterday and all of today looking at possible places to stay and places to visit. We’ll be gone just over 2 weeks and want to stay in two locations, central to cool things, but not necessarily in the middle of touristy towns.
I’d like to avoid big cities – although Andrew said he’d like to visit the Guinness brewery in Dublin. Clare is easy – she just wants to go to Ireland. Dean wants a chance to do some water related things and hike.
So far I’ve requested information from two cottages:
Sophie’s Cottage in Northern Ireland near Lough Erne
Bequia Holiday Home in Co. Clare
Unfortunately I’m at a standstill. I look at the map of Ireland and its like I’m at a restaurant with a huge menu of foods I’ve always wanted to taste, but can only choose a few. Perhaps I need to decided where to go and what to do before I choose where to stay.
Any advice?
Clutch Cargo Lips 